The Minnesota Will Guide That’s Actually Simple

Want peace of mind knowing your loved ones are protected no matter what happens? Here’s the reality: without a will, Minnesota’s government decides who gets your stuff. And bureaucrats don’t know that you wanted your fishing cabin to go to your outdoorsy nephew, not your city-dwelling daughter who thinks camping is sleeping with the windows open.

Creating a will puts you in control and ensures your wishes are followed instead of leaving your family to navigate government red tape and potential conflicts.

Minnesota Will Laws (What You Need to Know)

Minnesota’s will requirements come from Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 524 Uniform Probate Code. Here’s what matters: Minnesota embraced electronic wills in August 2023 with the Uniform Electronic Wills Act, making it one of the more progressive states for estate planning.

This means Minnesota residents have modern options that many other states still don’t offer.

What This Actually Costs

Here’s the honest money breakdown:

Traditional attorney route: $200 to $600 for simple estates (can reach thousands for complex ones)
Online platforms: Around $200–300 for comprehensive packages
DIY approach: Cheapest upfront, risky if you mess up legal requirements

Most people with straightforward situations don’t need expensive attorneys unless they have complicated business structures or family drama requiring special legal handling.

Create your Minnesota Online Will Now!

Minnesota Will Requirements (The Make-or-Break Rules)

Your will must satisfy these requirements or it becomes worthless paper.

Basic Requirements

✓ Must be in readable text (digital format allowed)
✓ You must be 18+ and mentally competent
✓ You must sign in front of two witnesses
✓ Both witnesses must sign in your presence

Electronic Will Features

✓ Can be stored in electronic, digital, or similar medium
✓ Electronic signatures accepted
✓ Remote witnessing via video conferencing allowed
✓ Can remain completely digital from start to finish

Can You Create Your Own Will? (Yes, But Be Careful)

Minnesota allows you to create your own will without a lawyer. But here’s what most people don’t realize: one mistake in legal language or missing requirement can make your wishes unenforceable or create unintended consequences.

If you’re going DIY, use a reliable online platform that knows Minnesota’s specific requirements. Don’t try to figure out legal language on your own.

Do You Need a Lawyer? (Usually Not)

Minnesota doesn’t require attorneys for will creation. You might want one if:

Your estate includes complex business interests
You need sophisticated tax planning
You have contentious family situations
You want advanced trust structures

For most families with straightforward wishes, online will creation handles everything at a fraction of attorney costs.

Step-by-Step Minnesota Will Creation

Here’s the process that actually works:

Choose a trusted online platform (they’re not all equal)
Draft your will using guided questions
Review everything carefully
Sign before two witnesses (electronic signatures work)
Get witness signatures (they must sign in your presence)
Add notarization (optional but recommended)
Store securely in digital vault or safe location

Notarization: Not Required But Smart

Notarization isn’t mandatory but it’s cheap insurance. Here’s why:

Without notary: Probate court may need to track down witnesses to verify the will
With notary: Your will becomes “self-proving” and moves through probate smoother

Minnesota allows remote online notarization, making this step convenient.

Minnesota Witness Requirements

Your witnesses must be:

Competent adults
Present when you sign (physically or electronically)
Able to sign in your presence

Pro tip: Avoid using beneficiaries as witnesses—it creates potential conflicts even though it doesn’t invalidate the will.

Special Minnesota Considerations

Minnesota has unique rules you should know:

Spousal Protection: You cannot disinherit a spouse—Minnesota has spousal share clauses and allowances
Disinheriting Children: You can disinherit adult children, but you must specifically exclude them in the will language—just leaving them out doesn’t work

What Goes in Your Minnesota Will

Your will should address:

Asset distribution (who gets what)
Guardian selection for minor children
Executor appointment
Final arrangements (burial, cremation preferences)
Specific gifts to individuals or charities
Pet care instructions
Personal messages to loved ones

Electronic vs. Traditional Wills (Your Choice)

Minnesota offers both options:

Traditional Wills: Create online, print and sign on paper
Electronic Wills: Stay completely digital from start to finish

Both are legally valid. Electronic wills offer convenience and environmental benefits, while traditional wills feel more familiar to some people.

Common Minnesota Will Mistakes

Legal Requirements

Missing or incorrect witness signatures
Using beneficiaries as witnesses
Skipping electronic signature rules for eWills

Family Law Issues

Trying to disinherit a spouse (not allowed)
Not properly excluding adult children
Ignoring spousal share protections

Content Problems

Vague or confusing language
Missing key appointments (executor, guardian)
Ignoring Minnesota’s specific rules

Storage Issues

Family can’t locate the will
Poor digital or physical security
No backup or access plan

The Minnesota Advantage

Minnesota residents benefit from:

Electronic will recognition since August 2023
Remote witnessing capabilities
Flexible notarization options
Modern laws adapted for digital world

Why Minnesota Got This Right

Minnesota recognized that families needed modern solutions and updated their laws accordingly. While many states still require in-person meetings and paper documents, Minnesota embraced:

Full electronic will recognition
Remote witnessing via video conferencing
Digital signature acceptance
Streamlined online processes

Take Action Today

Every day without a will is a day your family’s future depends on Minnesota’s default inheritance laws instead of your personal wishes.

Don’t be the person whose family ends up in probate court trying to figure out what you would have wanted. Minnesota’s modern laws make it easier than most states.

Get Started Now

Whether you choose traditional or electronic, the key is following Minnesota’s requirements exactly. Your loved ones will thank you for taking 30 minutes to protect their future.